How exactly do we interpret the Bible? Some might say that we simply read a verse and then do what it says. Nothing more is needed. Let’s see how that works in practice. Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself,…
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If the Bible is inspired by God, why are there so many different interpretations of what it says? If the Bible is really from God, shouldn’t we all agree about its meaning? Devout and intelligent Christians disagree about: Human origins and the age of the earth. What the end of the world will look like.…
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We have recently started a sermon series on the Acts of the Apostles. There is some background information that is helpful but doesn’t necessarily fit in a sermon. Acts is the sequel to the Gospel of Luke and was written by the same author. Although they are separated by the Gospel of John in our…
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Here are final instalment of our online Bible study on the letter of James. Come now, you rich! Weep and cry aloud over the miseries that are coming on you. Your riches have rotted and your clothing has become moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have rusted and their rust will be a witness against you.…
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We continue our study of James with the fourth chapter. Where do the conflicts and where do the quarrels among you come from? Is it not from this, from your passions that battle inside you? You desire and you do not have; you murder and envy and you cannot obtain; you quarrel and fight. You…
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We now continue with the third chapter of the letter of James. Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly. For we all stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able…
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We continue our online Bible study by looking at the second chapter of James. My brothers and sisters, do not show prejudice if you possess faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. For if someone comes into your assembly wearing a gold ring and fine clothing, and a poor person enters in filthy clothes, do…
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One of the things attractive about James is that this letter is filled with practical advice. What it lacks in terms of complex theology (as in Romans), it makes up for with principles of living out the faith. Once again, I will be using the New English Bible (NET) in these online Bible studies. From…
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This is the start of a new online Bible study. For this study, we are going to look at the letter of James. Who wrote James? Well, James wrote James. But which James? There are actually four individuals named James in the New Testament. Of the four, only two are prominent enough to have been…
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Last time we looked at the third chapter and now we conclude Paul’s letter to the Philippians. So then, my brothers and sisters, dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends! I appeal to Euodia and to Syntyche to agree in the…
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Last time we looked at the second chapter and now we move on to the next one. Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who…
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Last time, we looked at Philippians 1. Now we turn to the next chapter. Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and…
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Last time, we had a brief introduction to Philippi and the start of the church in the city. Now we will get into the text itself. I am using the New English Translation (NET). From Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the…
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This is the start of our online Bible study of Philippians. Please feel free to leave your comments on this post. We will start with a basic introduction. The city of Philippi in Macedonia is named after Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. After the assassination of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and Octavian…
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